Biography
Irie Vibes Culture Consciousness was founded by Zimbabwean musician Tafadzwa Rodger Murevanhema in preparation for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.Additionally he was joined by other Zimbabwean marimba players, Andrew Kandiwa, Shaun Mundawarara, Tendai Dambaremba. In 2010 the Band toured around France and hosted a number of marimba workshops and concerts before returning to South Africa for the Soccer World Cup.
Additional members include the talented South African poet, song writer and singer Funeka Ngqunge who also joined the group and brought a new flavor which complemented the band and heightened their ability to express themselves through words in poetry and Singing. Later 2010 the band was also joined by other African cultural dancers, including Alice Mawoko, Naledi Ngqunge and Djembe players, Robin Masocha, Bongani Marara and many more.
The Irie Vibes Culture Consciousness organization is a traditional group that has a percussive musical combination of Marimba band, Djembe drumming, African traditional dance, as well as Poetry, and Singing. The band is comprised of members who
share common roots with different social and cultural orientations. The group
represents the nicest melodies found in the musical history of mankind and is
based in the heart of Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
The Irie Vibes Culture Consciousness fuses traditional music with western sound effects and a modernized interpretation of time, space and circumstance. The band plays a variety of musical styles that include Southern Africa traditional songs, Afro-fusion, Jazz, House, Gospel, Reggae, as well as popular songs. Respectively, members of the band are rich in experience of the entertainment industry and have performed at both local and international music festivals and concert venues.
Following 2010, the group started an outreach project entitled “GIVE BACK,” focusing on empowering disadvantaged youth from Port Elizabeth, including underprivileged students from schools with a goal of enhancing extra mural skills to increase their level of confidence and while creating a platform of expression and recovery.
Previously, the bands additional services have included performances at the Cheshire Home facility for people with disabilities. “We will perform for the residents of Cheshire Home in Port Elizabeth for free every time they need entertainment” says the Band Director Tafadzwa Rodger Murevanhema who also teaches Cultural Instruments under the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Arts and Culture Department, as well as Summer-wood Primary School, also often provides workshops at Ubuntu Educational Fund, Masifunde Learners Development, as well as private workshops around the World.
All the members of the group possess a strong musical background, with the ability to accommodate learning theory to facilitate practical performance skills.
Members of the band and organization include:
Tafadzwa Rodger Murevanhema - Marimbas, Djembe Drumming, Guitarist
Robin Masocha - Djembe Drumming, African Traditional Dance
Naledi Ngqunge - African Traditional Dancers
Funeka Ngqunge- Song writer, Poetry & Singing
And many other talented performers.
The Irie Vibes Culture Consciousness fuses traditional music with western sound effects and a modernized interpretation of time, space and circumstance. The band plays a variety of musical styles that include Southern Africa traditional songs, Afro-fusion, Jazz, House, Gospel, Reggae, as well as popular songs. Respectively, members of the band are rich in experience of the entertainment industry and have performed at both local and international music festivals and concert venues.
Following 2010, the group started an outreach project entitled “GIVE BACK,” focusing on empowering disadvantaged youth from Port Elizabeth, including underprivileged students from schools with a goal of enhancing extra mural skills to increase their level of confidence and while creating a platform of expression and recovery.
Previously, the bands additional services have included performances at the Cheshire Home facility for people with disabilities. “We will perform for the residents of Cheshire Home in Port Elizabeth for free every time they need entertainment” says the Band Director Tafadzwa Rodger Murevanhema who also teaches Cultural Instruments under the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Arts and Culture Department, as well as Summer-wood Primary School, also often provides workshops at Ubuntu Educational Fund, Masifunde Learners Development, as well as private workshops around the World.
All the members of the group possess a strong musical background, with the ability to accommodate learning theory to facilitate practical performance skills.
Members of the band and organization include:
Tafadzwa Rodger Murevanhema - Marimbas, Djembe Drumming, Guitarist
Robin Masocha - Djembe Drumming, African Traditional Dance
Naledi Ngqunge - African Traditional Dancers
Funeka Ngqunge- Song writer, Poetry & Singing
And many other talented performers.